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PM Rama: Integrations process is not slowing down, Albania faces historic opportunity

TIRANA, April 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania does not face conditions of a slowing integration process. During a discussion with young students on the country’s European Union accession negotiations, he stressed that much of the information circulating in media reports is often inaccurate and misleads the public. …

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Government Updates National Hospital Planning Committee

The Council of Ministers approved changes to the National Hospital Planning Committee. The committee advises the Health Minister on hospital services across Albania. It now has 9 members: cardiologists, surgeons, neonatologists, radiologists, gynecologists, emergency doctors, and an economist. The committee analyzes hospital coverage, assesses capacity and needs, proposes the National …

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PM Rama: Digital services removed tension between citizens and the state

TIRANA, April 2 – At the discussion held today at the “Liria” [Freedom] hall on the Tirana State University campus, Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke with students about Albania’s EU accession progress. A student asked him about the fight against corruption. Rama said corruption today exists more in perception than …

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Gogu Meets Students: Supporting Minors to Break the Cycle of Crime

Justice Minister Toni Gogu presented a new approach to handling minors in conflict with the law, focusing on restorative justice as an alternative to traditional punishment. Speaking to social science students, Gogu emphasized that a criminal act is not just a law violation—it causes real harm to people and the …

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Albanian Government Approves 203 Million Lek Support for Religious Communities

The Council of Ministers approved 203 million lek to support religious communities this year. Muslim Community of Albania: 57.3 million lek Autocephalous Orthodox Church: 48.6 million lek Catholic Church: 48.6 million lek Bektashi World Headquarters: 48.5 million lek Funds will be distributed in April 2026. The Ministry of Finance and …

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Iran could target Albania?

U.S. Embassy warns of possible Iran-linked attacks against MEK and public locations. Tirana Times, April 01, 2026 –  The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has warned that Iran or groups linked to Tehran could carry out potential attacks in Albania, targeting members of the Iranian opposition group People’s Mojahedin Organization of …

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Rama: We Will Intervene in the Oil Market to Protect Consumers

Prime Minister Edi Rama met with the Socialist Party assembly in Unit 4, Tirana. Rama said the government will act in the oil market through a public company. The goal is to protect consumers and increase transparency. He added that the legal framework for strategic fuel reserves is also in …

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Ryanair Opens New Base at Tirana Airport

Ryanair officially opened its new base at Tirana’s “Mother Teresa” International Airport. The airline stations three planes in Tirana and adds 21 new destinations across Europe. The Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) says direct connections boost economic growth and increase GDP per capita. AAC adds the move supports government priorities: infrastructure, …

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US Embassy Warns: Iran-Linked Groups Could Target Opposition in Albania

The US Embassy in Albania has warned that groups linked to Iran may target Americans or members of the Iranian opposition living in Albania. These groups could also strike public areas, including tourist sites, shopping centers, hotels, clubs, and restaurants, the embassy said in a social media statement. The embassy …

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New Economic Bridge Formed Between Albania, Belgium, and the EU: EUBACCI Launched

Albania inaugurated the Belgium–EU–Albania Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EUBACCI) at its embassy in Belgium, creating a new platform to strengthen economic ties and trade relations between Albania, Belgium, and the European Union. The event brought together business leaders, institutional representatives, and Belgian agencies, including HUB Brussels and AWEX, fostering …

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Foreign Interference and Election Observation in Hungary’s 2026 Parliamentary Vote

by David J. Kostelancik Tirana Times, April 09, 2026 – Hungary’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 12, 2026, are unfolding in an environment shaped not only by domestic political competition but also by broader geopolitical tensions and debates about external influence. Charges of election interference have involved disinformation from state-controlled media, allegations …

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Over 100 athletes compete in Albania’s national tournament for people with intellectual disabilities

TIRANA, April 9 – Over 100 athletes from across Albania joined the National Athletics and Table Tennis Tournament for people with intellectual disabilities. The event promotes inclusive sports and social equality. Athletes competed with energy and respect. They showed how sports can overcome social and physical barriers. The Albanian National …

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Speaker Peleshi: Strengthening parliamentary cooperation with the Bundestag

TIRANA, April 9 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met with Gunnar Schellenberger, President of the Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament. They focused on enhancing inter-parliamentary ties and boosting economic cooperation between Albania and Germany. Peleshi highlighted the need to intensify collaboration between the Albanian Parliament and the Bundestag, and to expand exchanges …

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“Islands”: Albania rises on tourism map as Ksamil draws Caribbean comparisons

TIRANA, April 9 – Albania is gaining attention as a beach destination in Europe. An article in the U.S. travel magazine Islands highlights the coastal village of Ksamil as a rising hotspot. The report asks which European destination offers Caribbean-style beaches at lower cost in 2026. It points to Albania’s …

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Albania women’s team targets strong start against Wales in 2027 World Cup qualifiers

TIRANA, April 9 – Albania’s women’s national team continued preparations for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. The team held its latest training session at the “House of Football.” Albania will face Wales on April 14 at 20:15 at “Stok Cae Ras” stadium. Players are following an intensive training program ahead …

News
Economy and Innovation Minister: New law aims to boost strategic investments in tourist ports

TIRANA, April 9 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented a draft law to amend the framework on tourist ports. She said the initiative will simplify procedures for strategic investments in resorts, marinas, and tourist ports. Ibrahimaj said Albania has recorded strong tourism growth. The country welcomed 6.4 million …

News
PM Rama: Construction sector reflects Albania’s economic transformation

TIRANA, April 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the construction sector plays a key role in Albania’s economic and social transformation. He made the remarks during a meeting with business representatives on wage growth, alongside Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj. Rama rejected claims that link the sector to …

News
Spring Fair in Korça draws crowds with artisans and festive activities

TIRANA, April 9 – Korça’s central square in front of the Orthodox Cathedral came alive with the Spring Fair ahead of Easter. The event, now a local tradition, brings together artisans and visitors from across the country. Stalls showcase handmade crafts, traditional products, and souvenirs, creating a lively and authentic …

News
Gonxhja: New plan to revitalize historic areas in Shkodra

Tourism, Culture, and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja visited the Gjuhadol neighborhood in Shkodra. Mayor Benet Beci joined him. The area includes many historic buildings. Authorities plan to revitalize them and restore their identity. Gonxhja said they will implement a structured intervention plan. The plan targets historic zones and centers. The …

News
27 years since the battle of Koshare, the day that broke the border between Kosova and Albania

TIRANA, April 9 – Today marks 27 years since the Battle of Koshare, a key confrontation that broke the border between Kosova and Albania. The battle began on April 9, 1999, during Operation “Shigjeta” (The Arrow). It involved fierce clashes with Serbian forces and stands among the bloodiest and most …

News

Foreign Interference and Election Observation in Hungary’s 2026 Parliamentary Vote

by David J. Kostelancik Tirana Times, April 09, 2026 – Hungary’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 12, 2026, are unfolding in an environment shaped not only by domestic political competition but also by broader geopolitical tensions and debates about external influence. Charges of election interference have involved disinformation from state-controlled media, allegations …

News

Over 100 athletes compete in Albania’s national tournament for people with intellectual disabilities

TIRANA, April 9 – Over 100 athletes from across Albania joined the National Athletics and Table Tennis Tournament for people with intellectual disabilities. The event promotes inclusive sports and social equality. Athletes competed with energy and respect. They showed how sports can overcome social and physical barriers. The Albanian National …

News

Speaker Peleshi: Strengthening parliamentary cooperation with the Bundestag

TIRANA, April 9 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met with Gunnar Schellenberger, President of the Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament. They focused on enhancing inter-parliamentary ties and boosting economic cooperation between Albania and Germany. Peleshi highlighted the need to intensify collaboration between the Albanian Parliament and the Bundestag, and to expand exchanges …

News

“Islands”: Albania rises on tourism map as Ksamil draws Caribbean comparisons

TIRANA, April 9 – Albania is gaining attention as a beach destination in Europe. An article in the U.S. travel magazine Islands highlights the coastal village of Ksamil as a rising hotspot. The report asks which European destination offers Caribbean-style beaches at lower cost in 2026. It points to Albania’s …

News

Albania women’s team targets strong start against Wales in 2027 World Cup qualifiers

TIRANA, April 9 – Albania’s women’s national team continued preparations for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. The team held its latest training session at the “House of Football.” Albania will face Wales on April 14 at 20:15 at “Stok Cae Ras” stadium. Players are following an intensive training program ahead …

News

Economy and Innovation Minister: New law aims to boost strategic investments in tourist ports

TIRANA, April 9 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented a draft law to amend the framework on tourist ports. She said the initiative will simplify procedures for strategic investments in resorts, marinas, and tourist ports. Ibrahimaj said Albania has recorded strong tourism growth. The country welcomed 6.4 million …

News

PM Rama: Construction sector reflects Albania’s economic transformation

TIRANA, April 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the construction sector plays a key role in Albania’s economic and social transformation. He made the remarks during a meeting with business representatives on wage growth, alongside Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj. Rama rejected claims that link the sector to …

News

Spring Fair in Korça draws crowds with artisans and festive activities

TIRANA, April 9 – Korça’s central square in front of the Orthodox Cathedral came alive with the Spring Fair ahead of Easter. The event, now a local tradition, brings together artisans and visitors from across the country. Stalls showcase handmade crafts, traditional products, and souvenirs, creating a lively and authentic …

News

Gonxhja: New plan to revitalize historic areas in Shkodra

Tourism, Culture, and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja visited the Gjuhadol neighborhood in Shkodra. Mayor Benet Beci joined him. The area includes many historic buildings. Authorities plan to revitalize them and restore their identity. Gonxhja said they will implement a structured intervention plan. The plan targets historic zones and centers. The …

News

27 years since the battle of Koshare, the day that broke the border between Kosova and Albania

TIRANA, April 9 – Today marks 27 years since the Battle of Koshare, a key confrontation that broke the border between Kosova and Albania. The battle began on April 9, 1999, during Operation “Shigjeta” (The Arrow). It involved fierce clashes with Serbian forces and stands among the bloodiest and most …